Improvement in fastenings for reins



R. L. FRASER.

Fastenings for Reins.

Patented Juy 23,1872.

RALPH L. FRASER, 0F WESTERNVILLE, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN .FASTENINGS FCR REINS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 329,809, dated July 23, 1872.

SPECIFICATION.

lIesternville, in the county of Oneida and State of New York, have invented an Improved Fastening for Reins and other parts of Harness, and for other purposes, of which the following is a specification:

My device is designed as a substitute for the buckle or snap-hook, and consists in a pierced ring, bar or other part, with which the rein or other strap is to be connected, in combination With a hook attached to the rein or strap, the two beingso arranged that the hook is self-retaining in all of the positions assumed by the parts when in use; and also in the mode of connecting the hook and strap together. v ,t

Figure 1 is an edge view of the ring of a bridle-bit, the hook, and a portion of the rein connected therewith. Fig. 2 is a side view of the ring, separately. Fig. 3 is an edge view of one form of the ring, showing the pierce or eye. Fig. 4 showsthe ring and lever-bar of a gag-bit, the latter being provided with eyes to receive the hook; Fig. 5, an edge view of a pair of biterings, with the eyes arranged in right and left positions. Fig. 6 represents the hook and end view of the strap before being connected by sewing. Fig. 7 is an elevation of the hook and strap after being connected.

In carrying my invention into practice, I form the ringAwith an eye,c, pierced through it, opposite to and in the direction of its connection with the bit if a bitfring, or parallel with the plane of the ring. The metal surrounding the eye is left of sufficient size to possess the requisite strength. If the rein or other strap is to be connected with a bar, as that of the lever-bit B, I pierce said bar with as many eyes or holes c c and in such situations as it may be requisite to connect the rein or strap. These eyes are of such size as to admit the hook D, which is attached to the end of the rein or other strap E. This hook is so formed that its shank is on a line, or nearly so, with the strap, and its point is bent or closed down as near as will admit ,of its being readily passed through the eye c. In order topass the hook through the eye the latter has to be turned outward on its bearing inthe bit, and the strap and hook drawn forward and flexed until they vapproximate to a plane `parallel with that of the ring, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, when the point of the hook can readily be inserted from the outside of the eye or withdrawn therefrom. The parts being returned to their normal position in right line with one another, it will be seen that they cannot become accidentally disengaged when in use on a bridle or other part of a harness, as the horse cannot bring the hook and ring into such relation as will admit of their separation. The hook maybe materially varied in form without affecting this result.

The mode of attachment is neat in appearance, as quickly connected and disconnected as the snap-hook, and more reliable, while it is cheaper and more durable than the buckle and billet.

If desired, the eyes may be made on the outer side of thebridle-ring, or right and left, Illot piercing the main part of the ring, as in I form the stock g of the hook with arms or shoulders h l1. extending laterally, as in Fig. 6. The point of the hook being passed through the hole fthe end of the strap is turned and sewed. This gives a degree of rigidity and makes a very strong and durable connection, as the strain andwear are upon the leather only, and not upon the. stitches.

The fastening is equally well adapted to all styles of bits and to many other parts of harness and other attachments.

Witnesses Z. HILL, A. B. SWAN. 

